System and method for recognition of items in media data and delivery of information related thereto

ABSTRACT

The system and method disclosed herein relate to the establishment of both the location and identity of individual items in pictures or videos and delivering of related information thereto. Initially, images in video source content are scanned and individual elements in the images are dynamically compared with digital images stored in a database to identify individual items in the image that match the digital images stored in the database. Upon detecting a match, information is accessed in the database that is related to the digital image that matches the identified individual item. The accessed information is then transmitted to a secondary system that is in communication with a display device, such that the accessed information is displayed on the secondary system in coordination with the video source content being displayed on the display device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/996,597, filed Jun. 4, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/806,956, filed Nov. 8, 2017, now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 10,003,833, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/293,407, filed Oct. 14, 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,843,824, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/132,653, filed Apr. 19, 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,503,762,which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/940,283, filedNov. 13, 2015, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,681,202, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/848,755, filed Sep. 9,2015, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,344,774, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 13/352,986, filed Jan. 18, 2012, now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,167,304 and which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/433,755, filed on Jan. 18, 2011, the contents of eachof which are incorporated herein by reference into the presentapplication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the continued development of portable media players, socialnetworking services, wireless data transmission speeds, etc.,individuals continue to be presented with more and more image and videocontent. However, when an individual receives a digital picture or avideo feed or the like, the individual might also wish to have furtherinformation about something in the content, such as an item, a person, alogo or even a building or landmark. For example, a video feed mightinclude a scene filmed at the Statue of Liberty and the viewer may wishto receive historical information about this landmark. Moreover, a videofeed might include a famous actress carrying a new designer handbag or afamous athlete using a cell phone, each of which may be of interest to aconsumer who wishes to learn more information about the item, share theitem with a friend via a social networking website or the like, or evenpurchase the item. In conventional systems, the viewer/consumer isunable to quickly transform their general interest of the particularitem into the ability to get additional information or engage in ane-commerce shopping session related to the item of interest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, what is needed is a system that recognizes individual itemsor sets of items (collectively items) in source content and accessesinformation relating to the recognized items that can then be requestedby or automatically pushed to the end user in order to facilitateadditional interaction related to the recognized item. Thus, the systemand method disclosed herein relate to the determination of both thelocation and identity of items in images (both pictures and videos) andthe rendering of additional functionality for these identified itemswhen the end user “points to”, “clicks”, or otherwise selects theidentified items.

Specifically, a system is provided that includes an electronic databasethat stores a plurality of digital images of items and informationrelated to each of the plurality of items; and a processor that scanssource content having a plurality of elements and identifies any itemsthat match the plurality of items stored in the database. In addition,the processor generates position data indicating the position of theidentified item and links and/or merges the item with the informationrelated to the identified item(s) and the position data. Moreover, amethod is provided that scans source content, identifies items in thesource content that match a digital image stored in an electronicdatabase, generates position data indicating the position of theidentified item, accesses information related to the identified item,and links and/or merges the item with the position data and theinformation related to the identified item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for recognizing items inmedia data and delivery of related information in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for a method for recognizing items inmedia data and delivery of related information in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description outlines possible embodiments of theproposed system and method disclosed herein for exemplary purposes. Thesystem and method are in no way intended to be limited to any specificcombinations of hardware and software. As will be described below, thesystem and method disclosed herein relate to the establishment of boththe location and identity of individual items in images. Once the one ormore items in the images and/or video are identified and the locationsof the items established, additional functionality related to thoseidentified items can occur when those identified locations are “pointedto”, “clicked” or otherwise selected (e.g., purchase an item, requestinformation, select another video stream, play a game, share the item,rate, “Like”, and the like).

FIG. 1 illustrates block diagram of a system 100 for recognizing itemsin media data and delivery of related information in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. In general, system 100 is divided into remoteprocessing system 102 and user location 104. In the exemplaryembodiment, the remote processing system 102 can be associated with asecondary processing system (e.g., a digital video recorder, a productsupplier, etc.), which can be located at either remote processing system102 or user location 104, and/or content provider that is capable ofprocessing data transmitted to and from user location 104. A generalillustration of the relationship between a user location, a productsupply server, i.e., secondary processing system, and a content provideris discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,752,083 to Johnson et al., issued onJul. 6, 2010, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED INTERACTIVETELEVISION PROCESSING,” which is hereby incorporated in its entirety byreference thereto. Furthermore, user location 104 can be considered anylocation in which an end user/consumer is capable of viewing an imageand/or video feed on a viewing device 145. It is noted that the terms“end user,” “user” and “consumer” are used interchangeably herein andcan be a human or another system as will be described in more detailbelow.

As shown in FIG. 1, remote processing system 102 includes content source110 that provides source images, i.e., source content, that isultimately transmitted to the user after it is processed by the othercomponents of remote processing system 102, as will be discussed below.In one embodiment, content source 110 can be a content provider, such asthat discussed above with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 7,752,083.Furthermore, source content can be live or prerecorded, analog ordigital, and still (picture) or streaming (video).

Remote processing system 102 further includes reference content database115 that contains a plurality of known images (picture orvideo—collectively images). In particular, reference content database115 can store images relating to elements that may be displayed in thesource content. For example, the stored images can relate to consumerproducts (e.g., electronics, apparel, jewelry, etc.), marketing or branditems (e.g., logos, marks, etc.), individuals, locations (e.g.,buildings, landmarks, etc.), humanly invisible items (fingerprints,watermarks, etc.) or any other elements that are capable of beingidentified in the source content. The image data in reference contentdatabase 115 can be updated on a continuous or periodic basis by asystem, a system administrator or the like.

Remote processing system 102 further includes matching processor 120that is coupled to both content source 110 and reference contentdatabase 115. Matching processor 120 is configured to compare images inreference content database 115 with elements in the source contentprovided by content source 110. More particularly, matching processor120 uses conventional scanning and image recognition algorithms forscanning image content to compare the elements in the source contentwith the images stored in reference content database 115 and identifymatches. The scanning and related matching process can occur on acontinuous or periodic basis. During the matching process, everypotential item in the source content is compared with the images storedin reference content database 115. When the comparison results in amatch, matching processor 120 identifies the matched item. If there isno match, matching processor 120 continues to scan the source content asit updates/changes to continually or periodically check whether elementsin the source content match images in reference content database 115. Itshould be appreciated that the areas of the source content that do nothave any identified items in them can be identified as such.

It is further contemplated that reference content database 115 can storecertain images as predetermined marker items. Specifically, referencecontent database 115 can store images with preset identifying data(e.g., marker characteristics) that enables matching processor 120 tomore quickly and more accurately identify items that correspond to themarker characteristics. Preferably, it is contemplated that items beingfrequently displayed in the source content are stored as predeterminedmarker items in reference content database 115, such that referencecontent database 115 is organized to contain subsets of items(associated by marker characteristics) that have a higher probability ofsuccessfully matching with elements in specific source content. Forexample, a subset of items that are more likely to be matched during asporting event (e.g., team logos) can be generated and referenced duringthe scanning process when the source content is a game involving thespecific team having that logo. As a result, the subset of items may beemployed to increase the quality of the item matches (increased correctmatches and decreased false positive matches), effectively reducing theprocessing requirements of matching processor 120. In addition, in oneembodiment of the matching process, the items stored in referencecontent database 115 can include data fields that link similar items.For example, data fields can be provided that link items similar intype, time, relationship, or the like (e.g., all images of televisionshave a common field, images of things that occur around an event such asValentine's Day have a common field, or items that traditionally arelinked have a common field, such as salt and pepper). Additionally,matching processor 120 can perform an iterative process to match theelement in the source content to the item stored in reference contentdatabase 115 by making an initial predicted match in the first image orframe and then refining the prediction for each subsequent scan until aconclusive match is made and the item is identified.

As further shown, location determination processor 125 is coupled tomatching processor 120 and is configured to identify the location of anymatched items identified by matching processor 120. In the exemplaryembodiment, the location of the matched items can be defined in aCartesian coordinate plane, or in a position based on another locationsystem (collectively X, Y coordinates either as an individual point or aset of points). Location determination processor 125 is configured togenerate metadata setting the X, Y coordinates for each matched item'sposition relative to the source content as a whole. Accordingly, foreach matched item's position, determination processor 125 generatesmetadata for the specific X, Y coordinates of that item as it ispositioned within the image of the source content that includes thatitem. For each subsequent image (including each video frame), locationdetermination processor 125 continues to track the movement of the itemas its position varies in the source content and continues to generatemetadata corresponding to the item's position. In the exemplaryembodiment, the item's position can be denoted by either the X, Ycoordinate set or the center point of the item shape.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that while matchingprocessor 120 and location determination processor 125 are described asseparate processors, in an alternative embodiment, a single processorcan perform both the matching and location identifying processes as wellas the creation of the metadata of identity and location of the items.

Remote processing system 102 further includes additional informationdatabase 130. Although additional information database 130 is describedin the exemplary embodiment to be located at remote processing system102, additional information database 130 can also be located a userlocation 104, as will be described in more detail below.

In either embodiment, additional information database 130 containsadditional information about the reference images stored in referencecontent database 115. Specifically, additional information database 130is configured to store descriptive and relational information related tothe item, including pricing information, sizing information, productdescription, product reviews and the like, as well as links to otherinformation sources such as Internet websites. Thus, in operation, oncethe matched item is identified, remote processing system 102subsequently accesses additional information database 130, whichidentifies all additional information relating to the specific matcheditem. It should be appreciated that there may be no additionalinformation in additional information database 130 related to the items.In a refinement of the exemplary embodiment, additional information canbe a data path to the more detailed information about an item. Thus,instead of initially providing all additional information related to anitem, the additional information initially accessed by additionalinformation database 130 may be a path to this information. Thus, onlywhen the user is interested in the matched item and wishes to viewfurther information about the item, additional information database 130will subsequently access the metadata relating to the detailedinformation of the matched item.

It should further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that whilereference content database 115 and additional information database 130are described as separate databases, in an alternative embodiment, asingle database can be provided to store both the image information andthe additional information about the referenced item.

Once the additional information is identified by additional informationdatabase 130, merging processor 135 is provided to merge together thismetadata, the metadata relating to the location information calculatedby location determination processor 125, and the source content providedby content source 110 into a format that can be received/interpreted byviewing device 145 at user location 104. In the exemplary embodiment inwhich the source content is being generated live or is prerecorded, thematching is occurring so that the content and the item identificationand location metadata are synchronously delivered. In an additionalembodiment, the content with the related synchronous item identificationand location metadata can be stored and played out directly bydistribution server 140 to viewing device 145. The rendering of thiscombined data can be either visible or invisible in whole or in part. Atthis point, remote processing system 102 is configured to make the itemson the display device “active” by any method known to those skilled inthe art, e.g., they are “selectable” or “clickable” by the enduser/consumer. Furthermore, distribution server 140 is coupled tomerging processor 135 and configured to transmit the new integratedvideo stream to user location 104 using any conventional datacommunication method (e.g., over the air broadcast, cable casting,Direct Broadcast Satellite, Telco, wifi, 3G/4G, IP enabled, etc.). It isfurther contemplated that in an alternative embodiment, the process ofrendering the item “active” is performed by viewing device 145.

User location 104 comprises viewing device 145 that is configured toreceive image/video and audio content (e.g., IP data stream) and iscapable of displaying an image/video feed, and, more particularly, thenew integrated video stream generated by merging processor 135 andtransmitted by distribution server 140. It should be understood thatviewing device 145 can be any suitably appropriate device capable ofviewing the new integrated image/video stream, including, but notlimited to, a computer, smartphone, PDA, laptop computer, notebookcomputer, television, viewing device with a set-top box type processor(internal or external to the viewing device), a Blu-ray player, a videogame console (internal or external to a television or the like), aTablet PC, or any other device (individually or as part of a system)that can receive, interpret, and render on a screen image/video contentas well as interpret the related metadata, receive user input related tothe merged content and metadata, display additional information inresponse to user input and/or send that user input to a locally and/orremotely connected secondary system(s).

Furthermore, viewing device 145 (with internal or external processor(s))is configured to enable a user to in some way select the identifieditems and perform additional actions. This process can be either asingle process in the case of pictures or can be continuous in the caseof video. In the exemplary embodiment, the user's selection of one ormore identified items will result in the additional information aboutthe item being displayed to the user on viewing device 145. In additionor in the alternative, the response from the user's selection can besent to one or more secondary systems on either a continuous or periodicbasis. The user can select the identified item using any applicableselection method such as a mouse pointer, a touch screen, or the like.Thus, when viewing device 145 displays the new integrated video streamthat includes one or more “active” items, as discussed above, and theend user selects the particular active item, the user can view and/oraccess the additional information relating to the matched item. Asmentioned above, the end user can also be another system. For example,when the new integrated video stream is being interpreted by viewingdevice 145, one or more items can be automatically identified andselected by viewing device 145 (e.g., an associated processor). Forexample, if a user is watching a free version of a movie, thisembodiment contemplates that the processor of viewing device 145automatically identifies and selects one or more items causinginformation (e.g., product advertisements) to be displayed to the enduser. Alternatively, if the user pays to download and watch the movie,this feature can be turned off.

It is also noted that in an alternative embodiment, the new integratedvideo stream generated by merging processor 135 only includes metadatarelating to the item's identification and position. Specifically, inthis embodiment, additional information in additional informationdatabase 130 that is related to the identified item is not initiallymerged into the integrated video stream. Instead, the integrated videostream is transmitted to the end user without the additionalinformation. Only after the end user selects the identified item, arequest is sent by viewing device 145 to additional information database130 at remote processing system 102, which accesses the additionalinformation and transmits it back to viewing device 145. In yet anotherembodiment, additional information database 130 can be located at userlocation 104.

In one refinement of the exemplary embodiment, an electronic shoppingrequest can be transmitted back to distribution server 140 when the userselects the identified item, which, in turn, causes remote processingsystem 102 to initiate an electronic shopping interaction with the enduser that allows the end user to review and, if he or she elects,purchase the selected item. Exemplary electronic shopping systems andmethods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,752,083 and 7,756,758 and U.S.Patent Publication No. 2010/0138875, the contents of all of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

In addition, one or more secondary systems 150 can be provided at userlocation 104 and coupled to viewing device 145. These additional systemsare additional processors that allow for a wide variety of functionalityknown to those skilled in the art (e.g., including digital videorecorders, email systems, social network systems, etc), but that can beinterfaced via a connection to viewing device 145.

It is also noted that while the exemplary embodiment describes the newintegrated video stream as a single data stream that includes the sourcecontent, the metadata relating to the additional information that ismerged in the source content, and the metadata for the X, Y coordinatesof the matched items, in an alternative embodiment, two separate datastreams containing this information can be transmitted by distributionserver 140 to user location 104 and then merged by one or moreprocessors of (or connected to) viewing device 145. For example, thesource content can be transmitted as a first data stream usingconventional transmission methods (e.g., standard broadcast, DBS, cabledelivered video or the like) and the metadata about the matched items(i.e., the additional information and position information) can betransmitted using conventional IP data communication methods (e.g.,wifi, 3G/4G, IP enabled, and the like). In this embodiment, mergingprocessor 135 is located at user location 104 and is coupled to viewingdevice 145 to perform the same merging processing steps described above.

It should further be understood that while the various components aredescribed to be part of remote processing system 102, it is in no wayintended that these components all be located at the same physicallocation. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the processes canbe performed by processors that are internal or external to viewingdevice 145. For example, in one embodiment, source content that has notbeen processed by remote processing system 102 can be transmitteddirectly to viewing device 145. When the user selects or clicks on aparticular element in the source content, a location determinationprocessor provided at viewing device 145 can generate metadata settingthe X, Y coordinates for the selected item. This metadata can then betransmitted to remote processing system 102 where the selected elementis compared to images in reference content database 115 by matchingprocessor 120. If a match is identified, the processing of thisinformation as described above with respect to the other components ofremote processing system 102 is performed and a new integrated videostream is pushed back to the user that includes the additionalinformation about the element initially selected by the user. Further,while each of the components described in remote processing system 102is provided with one or more specific functions, each component is by nomeans intended to be limited to these functions. For example, differentcomponents can provide different processing functions within the contextof the invention and/or a single component can perform all of thefunctions described above with respect to the exemplary embodiment.

Finally, it should be understood that each of the aforementionedcomponents of remote processing system 102 and user location 104comprises all requisite hardware and software modules to enablecommunication between each of the other respective components. Thesehardware components can include conventional I/O interfaces, such asmodems, network cards, and the like. Such hardware components andsoftware applications are known to those skilled in the art and have notbeen described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure thedescription of the invention herein. Moreover, program instructions foreach of the components can be in any suitable form. In particular, someor all of the instructions may be provided in programs written in aself-describing computer language, e.g., Hyper Text Markup Language(HTML), eXtensible Markup Language (XML) or the like. Transmittedprogram instructions may be used in combination with other previouslyinstalled instructions, e.g., for controlling a manner of display ofdata items described in a received program markup sheet.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for a method 200 for recognizing items inmedia data and delivery of related information in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. The following method is described with respect tothe components of FIG. 1 and their associated functionality as discussedabove.

As shown in FIG. 2, initially, at step 205, content source 110 at remoteprocessing system 102 generates a source picture or video that isprovided to matching processor 120. At step 210, matching processor 120uses known scanning methods and/or other image matching techniques tocompare elements in the source content to item images stored inreference content database 115. These images can include a wide varietyof things. For example, the stored images can related to consumerproducts (e.g., electronics, apparel, jewelry, etc.), marketing or branditems (e.g., logos, marks, etc.), individuals, locations (e.g.,buildings, landmarks, etc.) or any other elements that are capable ofbeing identified in the source content. If no match is identified,remote processing system 102 does nothing and matching processor 120continues to scan the source content provided by content source 110.Furthermore, in an additional embodiment, the areas of the contentsource data that do not contain any identified items can be identifiedas such.

Alternatively, if matching processor 120 identifies a match between theelement in the source content and the reference item images in referencecontent database 115, method 200 proceeds to step 215 in which theposition of the matched item is calculated by location determinationprocessor 125. Specifically, at step 215, location determinationprocessor 125 generates metadata setting the X, Y coordinates for eachmatched item's position. Next, at step 220, remote processing system 102accesses additional information database 130 to identify additionalinformation relating to the identified item. This information caninclude descriptive or relational information related to the itemsincluding pricing information, sizing information, product description,product reviews and the like, as well as links to other informationsources such as Internet websites, or, in the alternative, a data pathto this detailed information.

Once the additional information is identified, the method proceeds tostep 225 where merging processor 135 merges together this additionalinformation, the metadata relating to location information calculated bylocation determination processor 125, and the source content provided bycontent source 110 into a format that can be received/interpreted byviewing device 145 at user location 104.

At step 230, the new integrated video stream is then transmitted bydistribution server 140 to user location 104. Next, at step 235, whenviewing device 145 receives the new integrated video stream, viewingdevice 145 renders visible or invisible indicators on the matched itemsmaking them “active,” i.e., the matched items are rendered “selectable”or “clickable” by the end user/consumer and the additional informationrelated to the matched item can be displayed on viewing device 145 inresponse to the user's selection of the active item. As noted above,this step can also be performed by remote processing system 102.Finally, as an example, at step 240, if a particular item is selected bythe user/consumer, remote processing system 102 will launch anelectronic shopping interaction with the user/consumer that allows theuser/consumer to review and, if he or she elects, purchase the selecteditem. As noted above, exemplary electronic shopping systems and methodsare disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,752,083 and 7,756,758 and U.S. PatentPublication No. 2010/0138875.

It should be understood that while method 200 comprises certain stepsperformed by the components at remote processing system 102 and certainsteps performed by the components at user location 104, method 200 is byno way intended to be limited in this regard. For example, as describedabove, certain processes performed by the components at remoteprocessing system 102 in the exemplary embodiment can, in an alternativeembodiment, be performed by processors coupled to viewing device 145.For example, in one embodiment, the source content can be initiallytransmitted to the user/consumer at user location 104 before it isprocessed. Once the user selects a particular element, a processorcoupled to viewing device 145 can generate metadata representing the X,Y coordinate of the selected item in the source content and thismetadata can then be transmitted back to remote processing system 102.The subsequent processing steps discussed above (e.g., the imagematching and merging processes) can then be performed on the selecteditem before the data is pushed back to the user/consumer.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that method 200 can be performed usingdigital or analog, live or recorded, and still or streaming contentprovided by content source 110 where the metadata related to the productidentity and X, Y coordinates can be stored and delivered with the liveor recorded content or, alternatively, this data can be stored at remoteprocessing system 102 (or a combination of remote processing system 102and user location 104) and served or created dynamically as would beunderstood to one skilled in the art. Additionally, in the embodiment inwhich the source content is being generated live or is prerecorded, thematching is occurring so that the content and the item identificationand location metadata are synchronously delivered. In an additionalembodiment, the content with the related synchronous item identificationand location metadata can be stored and played out directly bydistribution server 140 to viewing device 145.

It is finally noted that while the foregoing system 100 in FIG. 1 andmethod 200 in FIG. 2 have primarily been described with respect to imageand video data, it is also contemplated that system 100 and method 200can utilize audio data. For example, reference content database 115 cancontain audio items, such as songs or famous individuals' voices, thatare capable of being identified in the source content. Matchingprocessor 120 can perform a similar matching process for source contentand match audio elements in the source content to the audio items inreference content database 115. Additional information database 130 canalso contain additional information about the identified audio items,such as the album of the song or movies, shows, sports teams, politicalparty, etc. relating to the famous individual whose voice is identified.The end user can then selects a designated area in the source content orotherwise indicate an interest in the audio item to receive theadditional information using the system and process and describedherein.

While the foregoing has been described in conjunction with exemplaryembodiments, it is understood that the term “exemplary” is merely meantas an example. Accordingly, the application is intended to coveralternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the system and method for recognizingitems in media data and delivery of related information as disclosedherein.

Additionally, in the preceding detailed description, numerous specificdetails have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understandingof the present invention. However, it should be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art that the system and method for recognizingitems in media data and delivery of related information may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detailso as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the system and methoddisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for recognizing individual items inimages contained in video source content and delivering relatedinformation, the system comprising; at least one electronic databasestoring a plurality of digital images and information related to each ofthe plurality of digital images, the digital images being organized intoat least one subset that is associated with at least one common markercharacteristic; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the atleast one electronic database, the at least one processor configured to:identify at least one matching marker characteristic of the video sourcecontent that matches the at least one common marker characteristic thatis associated with the at least one subset of the digital images storedin the at least one electronic database; scan at least one of the imagescontained in the video source content that includes the identified atleast one matching marker characteristic and compare individual elementsin the at least one image with at least one digital image contained inthe at least one subset of the plurality of digital images that isassociated with the at least one common marker characteristic toidentify at least one individual item in the at least one image thatmatches at least one digital image contained in at least one subset ofthe plurality of digital images; access the information stored in the atleast one electronic database that is related to the identified at leastone digital image that matches the identified at least one individualitem; and a server configured to transmit the accessed informationrelated to the identified at least one digital image of the video sourcecontent to the display device in coordination with the source contentbeing displayed on the display device.
 2. The system according to claim1, wherein the identified at least one individual item transmitted tothe display device is configured to be selected by a user selectionusing at least one of a mouse pointer and a touch screen.
 3. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the identified at least one individualitem transmitted to the display device is configured to be interpretedand selected automatically by the display device.
 4. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the video source content is one of livevideo content or prerecorded video content.
 5. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to createmetadata to include coordinate position data indicating a position ofthe identified at least one individual item in the at least one imagecontained in the video source content, and wherein the server is furtherconfigured to transmit the metadata with the coordinate position datatoward the display device that displays the at least one image with atleast one electronic indicator, which is based on the coordinateposition data, for the identified at least one individual item such thatthe identified at least one individual item is rendered active andconfigured to be selected by a user.
 6. The system according to claim 5,wherein the at least one processor is configured to create metadata thatincludes identification information of the identified at least oneindividual item, such that at least a portion of the identificationinformation is displayed on the display device when the active andidentified at least one individual item is selected by the user.
 7. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the server is configured totransmit metadata that links the accessed information related to theidentified at least one individual item with the video source content,toward the display device that receives the video source content as aseparate data stream from the metadata.
 8. The system of claim 5,wherein the at least one processor is further configured to initiate anelectronic shopping interaction in response to a selection of the activeand identified at least one individual item.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein the display device is at least one of a computer, a smartphone,a tablet, a PDA, a television, a display with a set-top box typeprocessor, a Blu-ray player, and a video game console.
 10. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the metadata is configured to make active theidentified at least one individual item with either a visible or aninvisible indicator when the portion of the accessed information isrendered by the display device.
 11. A method for recognizing individualitems in images contained in video source content and delivering relatedinformation, the method comprising; storing, by at least one electronicdatabase, a plurality of digital images and information related to eachof the plurality of digital images, the digital images being organizedinto at least one subset that is associated with at least one commonmarker characteristic; identifying, by at least one processorcommunicatively coupled to the at least one electronic database, atleast one matching marker characteristic of the video source contentthat matches the at least one common marker characteristic that isassociated with the at least one subset of the digital images stored inthe at least one electronic database; scanning, by the at least oneprocessor, at least one of the images contained in the video sourcecontent that includes the identified at least one matching markercharacteristic and compare individual elements in the at least one imagewith at least one digital image contained in the at least one subset ofthe plurality of digital images that is associated with the at least onecommon marker characteristic to identify at least one individual item inthe at least one image that matches at least one digital image containedin at least one subset of the plurality of digital images; accessing, bythe at least one processor, the information stored in the at least oneelectronic database that is related to the identified at least onedigital image that matches the identified at least one individual item;and transmitting, by a server, the accessed information related to theidentified at least one digital image of the video source content to thedisplay device in coordination with the source content being displayedon the display device.
 12. The method according to claim 11, furthercomprising configuring the identified at least one individual itemtransmitted to the display device to be selected by a user selectionusing at least one of a mouse pointer and a touch screen.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 11, further comprising configuring the identified atleast one individual item transmitted to the display device to beinterpreted and selected automatically by the display device.
 14. Themethod according to claim 11, wherein the video source content is one oflive video content or prerecorded video content.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 11, further comprising: creating, by the at least oneprocessor, metadata to include coordinate position data indicating aposition of the identified at least one individual item in the at leastone image contained in the video source content; and transmitting, bythe server, the metadata with the coordinate position data toward thedisplay device that displays the at least one image with at least oneelectronic indicator, which is based on the coordinate position data,for the identified at least one individual item such that the identifiedat least one individual item is rendered active and configured to beselected by a user.
 16. The method according to claim 15, furthercomprising creating, by the at least one processor, metadata thatincludes identification information of the identified at least oneindividual item, such that at least a portion of the identificationinformation is displayed on the display device when the active andidentified at least one individual item is selected by the user.
 17. Themethod according to claim 11, further comprising transmitting, by theserver, metadata that links the accessed information related to theidentified at least one individual item with the video source content,toward the display device that receives the video source content as aseparate data stream from the metadata.
 18. The method of claim 15,further comprising initiating, by the at least one processor, anelectronic shopping interaction in response to a selection of the activeand identified at least one individual item.
 19. The method of claim 11,wherein the display device is at least one of a computer, a smartphone,a tablet, a PDA, a television, a display with a set-top box typeprocessor, a Blu-ray player, and a video game console.
 20. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising activating, by the metadata, the identifiedat least one individual item with either a visible or an invisibleindicator when the portion of the accessed information is rendered bythe display device.